Van stolen as driver helps at scene of an accident

A thief stole a van after its driver had stopped to help at the scene of an accident.

The driver pulled up close to St Helen’s Church, on Barnsley Road, Sandal, on Tuesday morning, after he witnessed the accident. And after he had got out to help, the thief jumped in, started it up and drove off.

The van is a white long wheel base Vauxhall Vivaro CDTI with large distinctive graphics and livery on the side and back, with the words Karndean International and Tubs and Taps written on it.

It has the registration number WP61 NYO.

The theft took place just after 9am.

Detective Inspector Aidy Watkins from Wakefield CID said: “This theft occurred on a very busy road just after rush hour near to a car dealership, so there will have been a lot of people in the area at the time.

“This is a despicable act, committed while the driver was selflessly helping another person out who needed assistance at the roadside.

“We have already recovered some items that were inside the van that were discarded in woods near to the M62 in Castleford, but we still want to find the van itself, the rest of its contents, and the person who stole it.

“If anyone else has any information can I ask them to contact me on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”